Economic and Environmental Role of Wetlands

Interview with Nick Davidson, Ramsar Convention’s Deputy Secretary General at CBD, COP11. The key role that rapidly diminishing wetlands play in supporting human life and biodiversity needs to be recognized and integrated into decision-making as a vital component of the transition to a resource-efficient, sustainable world economy, according to a new TEEB report released today.

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Media Accreditation Open for UNEP Governing Council do, feb 7, 2013

2013 Marks First Governing Council with Universal Membership

UNEP Unveils New Studies on the State of the Environment in Africa, Responses to a Rapidly Changing Arctic, Impact of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals on Human Health, Wildlife Crime, and Off-grid Lighting

A new chapter in the history of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will be marked on 18-22 February 2013, with the convening of the first UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum with universal membership.

Environment Ministers and high-level delegates from all member states of the United Nations can participate at the Governing Council for the first time, following a decision in 2012 by the UN General Assembly to upgrade and strengthen the role of UNEP.

Further Resources

Media events at the 2013 Governing Council will include launches of new reports on the changing environment of the Arctic, impacts of chemical exposure on the body's hormone system, and the environmental outlook for Africa (full details on press conferences below). UNEP will also designate two National Goodwill Ambassadors for Kenya.

The decision to upgrade UNEP implemented the commitments made by world leaders at last year's Rio+20 summit to strengthen UNEP's work in addressing global environmental challenges, and to establish the organization as the leading international authority that sets the global environmental agenda.

At the Governing Council, member states will focus on arrangements for the governance and funding of UNEP, efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of unsustainable consumption and production, and improving global access to the latest environmental science.

Important Information for Journalists

A press briefing on the Governing Council will be held in Nairobi on 14 February at the Norfolk Hotel at 10:30am.

During the Governing Council, UNEP will run a series of media roundtables relating to UNEP's priority areas of work, and emerging issues in the global environment. Sessions will cover renewable energy, transport, forests, and climate change, and other topics.

The opening of the photo exhibition will see the signing of an agreement between the Shanghai Municipal Government and UNEP on a project to raise awareness of wildlife conservation. The partnership will see videos and photos displayed on Shanghai's public transport network and in city squares. A letter of cooperation on youth engagement as part of UNEP's TUNZA programme will also be signed.

Monday 18 February 2013

Press Conference: Launch of UNEP Year Book

Time: 1.00-1.45pm

Venue: UNEP Press Centre, (Ground Floor, UN complex, Gigiri)

In the Arctic region, the extent of sea ice was at a record low in 2012. Land ice is also retreating, while snow is disappearing and permafrost is melting. Such changes in the Arctic environment could have consequences far beyond the region, including a global rise in sea levels and a likelihood of more extreme weather. The 2013 UNEP Year Book analyzes in depth the impact of changing ice cover, ocean acidification, fisheries and the rush for resources in the Arctic. Other elements of the 2013 Year Book (the tenth edition) will highlight research on elephant and rhinoceros poaching in Africa, and ways to reduce risks to human health and the environment from chemicals.

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Press Conference: Launch of Endocrine Disrupters report

Time: 1.00-1.45pm

Venue: UNEP Press Centre, (Ground Floor, UN complex, Gigiri)

A major study by UNEP and the World Health Organization (WHO) will present new information on the growing potential risks to human hormone and reproductive systems caused by exposure to hundreds of chemicals, known as endocrine disrupters (EDCs). These chemicals, found in a number of consumer and industrial products, are also affecting wildlife. The report provides the latest data on exposure to EDCs, and outlines priority actions that can be taken to reduce risks to human health and the environment.

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Press Conference: Launch of New Partnership for Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting

Time: 1.00-1.45pm

Venue: UNEP Press Centre, (Ground Floor, UN complex, Gigiri)

UNEP will unveil a new partnership that aims to cut health risks and carbon emissions linked to the widespread use of kerosene lamps. Some US$30 billion is spent on kerosene alone to illuminate homes, workplaces and community areas. Kerosene lamps produce proportionally high levels of greenhouse gases and emit particles that can damage human health. The new partnership involves projects in 15 African countries to accelerate the deployment of sustainable off-grid lighting.

Almost 30 per cent of deaths, ill-health and loss of economic activity caused by disease in Africa can be attributed to environmental risks. These include indoor and outdoor air pollution, biodiversity loss, chemical contamination, and climate change. Tackling such health risks - and the related economic burden - is emerging as a key development priority for governments. The third edition of UNEP's Africa Environment Outlook highlights the full impact on human health of Africa's changing environment, and their effect on progress towards key development targets. At the same press conference, UNEP will also unveil two well-known faces as National Goodwill Ambassadors for Kenya.

In a separate announcement, UNEP, along with 11 other partners, will be unveiled as the hosts of a new centre to accelerate the transfer of climate-related technology to developing countries. The new project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resilience to changing weather patterns, drought, soil erosion, and other impacts of climate change.

Notes to Editors

Further details on the First Universal Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum are available at: